Once upon a time in a land far, far away (Secaucus) and in the day of technology, two 20-something year olds found themselves swiping right on Bumble. After the *ding* of a match, Joel and I started chatting. The connection was instant until Joel got a case of cold feet! Luckily after a few weeks, fate knew our connection wasn’t over as Joel’s feet suddenly seemed to warm up. Take two! Joel asked me out for a second time to go on a first date…but I didn’t make it easy for him. It wasn’t until my friend pushed me into giving him a second chance. So, I put on my go-to first date outfit (also known as my uniform) and met Joel at Panera Bread where I ordered a side of avocados and feta cheese as my meal. How romantic! Since Joel didn’t run after my questionable dinner choice, I knew he was a keeper. After the first few months of the honeymoon phase, COVID struck and the world turned upside down. This moment in time was a true testament to couples everywhere. Can we survive lockdown together? Joel and I fell into a rhythm and I moved into his apartment. We became inseparable. The one thing the pandemic did right was strengthen our bond and love for one another. By the end of 2020, we decided that our next big step would be buying our own place. So, we packed up Joel’s apartment (another test to a relationship…moving!) and went back to live at home with my mom. Penny by penny, we saved and saved. Exactly two years after the pandemic began, which solidified our relationship, we closed on our house. Looking back on this full circle moment, we now know everything happens for a reason!